Quick Answer: Teaching Bursary Requirements South Africa
Teaching bursaries fund initial teacher education, and in South Africa the largest is the national Funza Lushaka programme. Provincial education departments, universities and private foundations also run schemes.
Most teaching bursaries attach a service obligation, requiring you to teach for a period after qualifying, commonly at a public school. Treat that as central rather than incidental. Requirements.co.za is an independent information website. It does not administer or award bursaries and is not affiliated with any funder.
Who This Requirement Applies To
This guide is for students intending to qualify as teachers and looking for funding.
For the national programme specifically, see Funza Lushaka Requirements South Africa, which has its own criteria, dates and priority subject areas.
Eligibility Requirements
Teaching bursaries share a common shape, though each funder sets its own detail.
Applicant type
- A recognised teaching qualification. Typically a Bachelor of Education or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at a participating institution.
- Subject and phase. Funders frequently prioritise subjects with shortages, and a specialisation outside those may not be funded.
- Citizenship. Commonly restricted to South African citizens.
- Academic performance. Both for admission and for continued funding.
- Willingness to teach afterwards. Service conditions are the norm rather than the exception.
- Provincial links. Some provincial schemes prioritise applicants from, or willing to teach in, that province.
Documents You May Need
Documents establish identity, academic standing and admission to a qualifying teaching programme.
Required proof
- Identity document.
- Academic results, and a degree certificate for postgraduate applicants.
- Proof of application, admission or registration for the teaching qualification.
- Income evidence where the scheme is means tested.
- A motivational letter, where required.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
Choose your phase and subject specialisation with funding priorities in mind, since this often decides what can be funded.
Apply to the national programme and to any provincial, institutional or private schemes you match, tracking each closing date.
Before accepting any award, read the service obligation and repayment terms in full, and check whether it can be held alongside other funding.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
Applying should be free. Coverage, priority subjects and closing dates are set by each funder and change between cycles, so confirm the current position rather than relying on a previous year.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
- Assuming any education-related qualification is fundable, rather than a recognised initial teacher education programme.
- Choosing a specialisation outside the priority subject areas.
- Underestimating the service obligation and what happens if it is not met.
- Applying only to the national scheme and overlooking provincial or private options.
- Accepting two awards where holding more than one is restricted.
Where to Confirm Official Requirements
Confirm criteria, closing dates and required documents directly with the organisation administering the bursary, since each funder sets its own. The Official Requirements Sources South Africa page links to national bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main teaching bursary in South Africa?
Funza Lushaka is the national programme for initial teacher education in priority subject areas. Provincial departments, universities and private funders also offer schemes.
Do teaching bursaries require you to teach afterwards?
Most attach a service obligation, commonly requiring teaching at a public school for a period linked to the years funded. Read the agreement before accepting.
Which teaching subjects are funded?
Funders prioritise subjects with shortages, and the lists are reviewed. Confirm the current priorities before choosing your specialisation.
Can I get a teaching bursary for a PGCE?
Yes, where the scheme covers postgraduate teacher education and your degree supports a priority teaching subject.
Where can I confirm teaching bursary requirements?
Confirm with the funder concerned, and for the national programme through the official Funza Lushaka channel.